13 Healthy Food Trends That Are Going Mainstream in 2018

13 Healthy Food Trends That Are Going Mainstream in 2018

New year, new food. That’s the saying, right? If you’re wondering what tasty new products will be flooding shelves and restaurant menus in 2018, don’t worry, we got you. We’ve sipped and snacked our way through the latest innovations to determine what you’re going to want to get your hands on this year—and you won't have to spend an arm and a leg at the local organic market to do so.

1. The Trend: Hydrogen Water

While we don’t agree on much in this tumultuous world of nutrition, we probably all can agree that we need to drink more water. And when regular old H2O gets boring, health buffs are turning to the supposed energy-charged benefits of Hydrogen Water.

Dr. Cody Cook, the owner of HTWO brand, claims that more than 16 gold medalist athletes are using the stuff, which purportedly helps boost energy, provides antioxidants, and quickly removes lactic acid. Admittedly, the science in this area is weak at best, but we love the clean crisp flavor (and it might have helped to make our hangover a little less intense). If you're thirsty and feeling like the tap water isn't cutting it, give this a go.

The Evidence:

HTWO hydrogen water is available at Kroger, Natural Foods, and online for $2-3 per pack. HFactor hydrogen water is also available at Giant Food, local natural food markets, and online for $3 per pack.

2. The Trend: Golden Milk

We may have predicted this at least a year back, but turmeric anything is going majorly mainstream this year. Turmeric is packed with the powerful medicinal properties of curcumin, which research suggests may have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Unfortunately, the curcumin content of turmeric is only about 3 percent, so the effects are negligible at best, but that doesn’t stop us from downing bottles of the trendy drink.

The Evidence:

Pressed Juicery is open across America from California to New York with Golden Milk costing $8 a bottle. Rebbl golden milk is available at Whole Foods, Sprouts, local health food stores, and on Amazon for less than $5 a bottle. You can also mix up your own concoction with this Golden Milk powder blend by Gaia.

3. The Trend: Drinking Soups

Move over, green juice. Drinkable soups are tastier, heartier, just as convenient, and more filling. Packed with organic antioxidant-packed produce, often extracted using High-Pressure Processing (HPP), they're the new hot way to get your five-to-ten servings of produce each day. No need to heat: Just crack open a bottle and gulp down that veg.

Soupure offers a number of gently cooked soups and soup cleanses with varieties like pumpkin miso, split pea chlorophyll, and Japanese sweet potato. A single bottle is about $12 or splurge on a one-day supply of 7 soups for $79.

4. The Trend: Pea Milk

We know vegan everything is going to be HUGE this year, and herbivores need all the nondairy milk options they can get. Pea milk is the latest dairy alternative on shelves and is a great nut-free option for our lactose-intolerant friends or those with a nut allergy.

The Evidence:

Ripple Foods Pea Milk has an impressive 8 grams of protein yet has half the sugar of traditional dairy. It also packs 45 percent of your daily calcium and 30 percent of your vitamin D needs. Pick it up at Whole Foods and Target for about $4.99 for 48 ounces.

Bolthouse Pea Milk also has no preservatives or artificial flavors with 90 calories per cup and 10 grams of protein. It also offers 20 percent of your vitamin D, 25 percent of your calcium, and 110 percent of your vitamin B12 needs! Get it at Ralphs or Walmart for $4.99 per bottle.

5. The Trend: Buzzed Up Foods

We all love a strong cuppa Joe to get us through those tough days, but for those of us who like to chew, there are now caffeinated foods. Sure, you could always down a chocolate bar and hope for a little jolt of caffeine, but there’s currently a whole range of energy-boosting fortified foods to get your fix.

The Evidence:

Steem Caffeinated Peanut Butter is made of just peanuts, salt, agave, peanut oil, and green coffee extract, delivering 150 mg and 210 calories per two-tablespoon serving. That’s the same as about two cups of coffee! We love it on our morning toast or swirled into oats. This one might still only be in your natural health food stores across America or online for about $6 per jar.

When you don't have time to make breakfast or coffee, grab one of Pamela's Ambition Bars from Amazon or any local natural food store. You'll be getting in 70mg of caffeine, the flavors of your favorite coffee (or matcha!) drink, and a gluten-free, vegan snack.

6. The Trend: Tahini Everything

The Mediterranean trend is on a roll, with peanut butter's Middle Eastern brother, tahini, becoming a household staple. We love that tahini is packed with monounsaturated fats, along with cholesterol-lowering phytosterols that help promote a healthy heart. This year, expect to be seeing the savory spread make its way beyond high-end restaurants and into popular snacks, desserts, and breakfasts on grocery store shelves.

The Evidence:

Absolutely TahiniBAR is naturally gluten-free with 100 satisfying calories, available on Amazon and some Kosher independent stores in cocoa nibs, pistachio, and vanilla for around $3 for seven bars.

7. The Trend: Plant-Based Meats

Vegans and vegetarians, it’s time to rejoice! You can now show up at the cookout with something that even meat lovers will devour. Food manufacturers across America are experimenting with ways to process plant-based protein into food that looks, cooks, and tastes just like meat. While we currently have some pretty wicked burger swaps on the market, expect to see this evolve into faux chicken, fish, and even eggs.

The Evidence:

Beyond Meat makes a mean pea-protein based burger with 20 grams of protein and red beets for a meaty look and consistency. Pick yours up at Ralph's, Whole Foods, Amazon, and other major retailers for about $5.99 for two patties.

Impossible Foods makes their burger using wheat protein, potato protein, coconut oil, and heme: Yep, that’s the iron-containing molecule that gives the burger the realistic meat-like scent, look, and taste. The result? A mouthful of “meat” with 20 grams of protein available in top restaurants across New York, Las Vegas, San Fransisco, LA, and Texas—so it might take a while before we can get in the store, but it's too good not to mention.

8. The Trend: Popped Sorghum

There’s a new popped snack in town. Imagine popcorn for tiny hands and you’ve got popped sorghum. Sorghum is an ancient whole grain that uses half the water of corn and is drought-resistant, making this new superfood super sustainable as well. It’s also rich in fiber and is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a great satiating snack for the 3 p.m. slump.

The Evidence:

Pop IQ Snacks offers non-GMO snacks in Cheddar, Tuscany, Kettle, and Sea Salt & Pepper with about 150 calories, 3 grams of fiber, and 2 grams of protein per ounce. Pick up a bag at specialty health food stores or on Amazon for $1.60-2.20 per pack. Nature’s Nates offers five flavors including Rosemary and Garlic, Extremely Cheezy, and Brown Butter Caramel. Pick yours up on their site for $3 for a 1.7-ounce bag.

9. The Trend: Date Syrup

With the rise in popularity of diets like Paleo, Keto, and Whole30, it’s not surprising that people are looking for healthier sugar-alternatives across the board. Date syrup is a naturally sweet vegan alternative to honey, and super high in potassium and iron (apparently even more than maple syrup). It’s perfect for drizzling on pancakes, yogurt, or oatmeal, or for use in baking for a rich flavor (or for taking a big ol' spoonful).

The Evidence:

Date Lady Date Syrup is non-GMO, kosher, and gluten-free. And it happens to be made with one ingredient... 100-percent organic dates. Pick it up at Whole Foods or Amazon for about $7 per bottle.

LiOR Organic Date syrup is another popular brand also made exclusively with organic dates, available on their site for $9 per bottle.

10. The Trend: Medicinal Mushroom Powder

Fans claim that medicinal mushrooms (like chaga, cordyceps, and reishi), which are packed with antioxidants and vital nutrients like vitamin B, potassium, and iron, can cure everything from high-blood sugar to inflammatory diseases like arthritis. While we’re still waiting on the research, if you love an earthy hit of umami in the morning, brewing a cup of Joe with a scoop of mushroom powder may be for you.

The Evidence:

Four Sigmatic offers mushroom coffee, elixirs, hot cocoa, matcha, and much more, making it easy to get your (legal) shroom fix. Order your favorites conveniently online. Moon Juice offers a Brain Dust, Power Dust, and even a vegan protein powder, each packed with mushroom extract. You can find them on-site in Venice, California, or pick them up online for a pricey $35-42 per bottle.

11. The Trend: A Spin on Sparkling Water

Let’s face it: Drinking eight glasses of water a day can be boring. That’s why we’re loving the new look of fizzy H2O. Never before has it been acceptable to Instagram yourself drinking a can of water, but the latest hydration options to hit shelves might just change your mind.

The Evidence:

La Croix started the water revolution with its trendy branding (and amazing product). With no added sugar, sodium, or artificial sweeteners, LaCroix is flavored with natural essential oils from all your favorite fruits. Choose your go-to from flavors like peach, pear, passionfruit, cherry lime, and much more, available at Costco, Whole Foods, or Publix, and Amazon for about $6 for 12.

Spindrift Sparkling Water is for those times you need just a little more flavor. With between 2-15 calories per can and flavored with a squirt of real fruit juice, this is the ultimate low-cal soda swap. Find a case of cucumber, orange mango, raspberry lime, and others, in major grocers like Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Costco, as well as on Amazon for about $10 for 4.

12. The Trend: Cannabis-Infused Foods

With 65 percent of Americans supporting legal marijuana, and eight states (plus Washington, D.C.) already there, it’s not surprising that tasty edibles will likely become the new superfood. Expect to see a wide variety of tasty treats and snacks to help you get through your day... stress-free.

The Evidence:

Leafly Cherry Almond Tart is like a serious adult Pop-Tart. The chia-seed dough is gluten-free, vegan, soy-free, and refined-sugar free plus has 13 mg of CBD and 5 mg of THC. Get them online for $5.

Mota Beef Jerky is made with beef, seasonings, and yes, a *healthy* dose of THC. One serving delivers 100 mg THC and does double-duty as munchies fuel. Order yours online for $10 per bag.

13. The Trend: Frozen Meals That Are Actually Good for You

Gone are the days of thawing mediocre mystery meat and soggy curly fries for dinner. We've entered a new era of frozen food, where just because a healthy meal comes in a box doesn't mean it has to taste like one.

The Evidence:

Love the Wild might be the best frozen-food option on the market right now when it comes to getting your seafood fix. With its support of aquaculture, this brand is able to include sustainable fish (that doesn't taste fishy) plus sauces that come in frozen heart-shapes. All you need to do is wrap the fish and sauces in parchment paper (that they provide... also in a heart shape) and pop it in the oven. You'll need to add a veggie or two, but it's worth it. Look in Whole Foods or on the site for your frozen fish dinner.

Trader Joe's also carries some delicious frozen foods that aren't just full of sodium, like superfood pilaf for $3.99 and seafood paella for $4.99. (You just have to make it past the Speculoos Cookie Butter Cheesecake first.)